Two Homes Burglarized in Hastings Last Week, One More Call Received Yesterday

In the middle of the night on August 15, residents of Fenwick Road awoke to the sound of someone breaking into their home.  They called Hastings police at 3:56 a.m., and by the time officers arrived on the scene, the burglar had already fled. Nothing was reported missing, but the incident was jarring to officers, who were not used to dealing with this type of crime in Hastings.

"I can't even remember the last time a home was burglarized with the victims at home," Lieutenant David Dosin, of Hastings police said. 

Then another call came in from a woman cat-sitting for residents of Kent Avenue, who were away on vacation.  The caller was unsure if anything had been taken, but police verified the home had been burglarized. 

In the case of Fenwick Avenue, Dobbs Ferry police, county police, MTA police, Yonkers police and Yonkers' K9 unit were all called in to track the intruder, but the perpetrator was not found

Things seemed to have returned to their usual quiet, until police received another call last night from a resident of Branford Road. Police have yet to receive confirmation from the caller that her home had indeed been broken into, but regardless of whether it has been two or three homes burglarized, police are not taking the crimes lightly.

"We're sending extra patrol cars to the area," Dosin said. "We can't say whether this was a one-time event or a trend."

Dosin recommends residents lock their doors and windows and--if it's financially feasible--install an alarm system.

"Another thing we recommend is that residents register their homes as dark-houses while they are on vacation," Dosin said. "Registered homes are checked regularly while residents are away."

Despite the fear victims of a burglary might feel making a phone call with a possibly-dangerous intruder close-by, Dosin said it is always better to call 911.

"Even if you just call and hang up, we have your number and address, and we're coming," Dosin said.